Alleviation: An International Journal of Nutrition, Gender & Social Development, ISSN 2348-9340 Volume 1, Number 1 (2014), pp. 1 - 8
© Arya PG College, Panipat & Business Press India Publication, Delhi
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Women Entrepreneurship: An Overview

Anjali Dewan
Associate Professor & Head, Department of Home Science,
St. Bede’s College, Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), India
Email: dewananjali@rediffmail.com

Abstract

The Indian mythology placed women on a very high pedestal but deterioration in the glorious status suffered a socio-cultural setback resulting in loss of their freedom. Women, the most important constituent of human society have always been the focus of attention for social and political reformists, thinkers, philosophers, social scientists and planners. Gender injustice taking the shape of crimes against women has increased all over the world and India is no exception to this. The women in general have shown gratified and gradually degraded situations from time to time, sometimes due to favorable and sometimes due to unfavorable attack and counter attacks of socio-political forces. Women continue to suffer from increasing tide of violence both inside and outside homes. Domestic violence is an ongoing experience of physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse faced by women within the household. It has a debilitating effect on women’s physical as well as psychological health. It occurs within all age ranges, ethnic backgrounds, and economic levels. It is considered as an accepted norm, part of married life and not as a violation of woman’s rights. Domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone, yet the problem is often overlooked, excused, or denied. This is especially true when the abuse is psychological, rather than physical. Emotional abuse is often minimized, yet it can leave deep and lasting scars. Noticing and acknowledging the warning signs and symptoms of domestic violence and abuse is the first step to ending it. In a situation of domestic violence, a woman needs protection even before the crime is committed as she apprehends the danger to her life from the assaulter on whom she is dependent and the threat is constant. There is a need to sensitize people especially women themselves to understand that domestic violence should be condemned at all levels. Our country today is at the cusp of a paradigm change in its growth and position in the world. Empowerment of women has multiple, inter-related and interdependent dimensions in relation to resources, perceptions and power to take their own decisions. Educational attainment and economic participation are the key components in ensuring their empowerment which enhances their ability to influence changes and to create a better society.

Keywords: Awareness, Counseling, Domestic Violence, Empowerment, Interventions, Sensitization, , Strategies.